Expert Calls for Quality Online Learning Amid Omicron Surge

TheIndonesia.id - An education expert has called for the improvement of quality online learning as more regions allow in-person learning at schools amid the increase of Omicron cases.

Indra Charismiadji from VOX Populi Institute Indonesia said in-person learning will not automatically solve “learning loss” that may occur from continuous online learning, but concerning stakeholders should put more focus on how to improve the quality of online learning.

“Online learning must be improved. Solution to learning loss is not merely [by allowing] in-person learning. Instead, the quality of online learning must be enhanced,” Charismiadji said on Monday, January 17, as reported by Antara.

According to Glossary of Education Reform, learning loss is “any specific or general loss of knowledge and skills or to reversals in academic progress, most commonly due to extended gaps or discontinuities in a student’s education”.

While in-person learning seeks to prevent learning loss among students, Charismiadji noted that it’s equally important to take into account the argument from medical perspective to reverse the policy on in-person learning as it’s still deemed too dangerous, especially in the midst of Omicron surge in many countries, including Indonesia.

“It’s scary because life is at stake – not only for students, but also teachers and family members at home,” he added.

Lastly, he suggested concerning stakeholders to utilize the different medium and platform for educational purposes.

Jakarta is among some of the cities in Indonesia that have allowed in-person learning at schools. However, Omicron cases among students have been reported which forced respective schools to put a halt to the face-to-face learning activity.